Shawswood

Shawswood

“Shawswood” is situated 23 kms from Howick on the Karkloof/Rietvlei Road. The property has been in the Shaw family since the mid to late 1800’s and, until recently, was run as a timber farm and sawmill. Even now, there is evidence of some of the old logging trails through the bush.

The old homestead still stands, having slept 6 generations under its roof. The stables that were home to all the polo ponies over the years have recently been converted into rustic accommodation, and paths to the top and bottom of our waterfall have been cleared and well marked, for people to explore.

The original Shawswood stables have been converted into rustic rooms containing 3 to 4 bunkbeds each, suitable for school, sporting, rambling or church groups (58 beds). There is an additional wing offering single or double accommodation (12 people) and a decent ablution block, with plenty of hot water for showering.

The farm workshop has been turned into a large dining hall, also suitable for indoor activities. Large groups are required to bring their own bedding and eating utensils. Mattresses with covers are provided, as are cooking facilities. Bulk catering can be arranged upon request, and braai facilities and firewood are available.

There are also large grassed areas for group activities and we are always open to new ideas for obstacle courses and team building exercises. We offer guided walks for school children. Similar walks for other groups can be arranged on request, otherwise the paths are well-marked for you to explore at your own pace.

Stone Haven is Shawswood’s latest project! This 1880 sand-stone structure has been turned into a fully contained self-catering cottage, a “haven” for nature lovers to spend a tranquil few days away! A yellowwood staircase leads up to a quaint loft bedroom, complete with brass bed. Awaken to magnificent sights of the indigenous forest and mountain, and breakfast on the verandah, watching the birds and enjoying panoramic views of rural Africa! “Stone Haven” started off as a stable and hay loft, at the time when the original Shaw brothers were renowned for their polo playing skills!

Antbear Lodge

Antbear Lodge

What makes this Drakensberg accommodation option so special is that we are offering cozy & comfortable accommodation in a luxury cave. Glass doors open onto a wooden deck with hammock chairs and an uninterrupted view of the Drakensberg Mountains. We also offer accommodation in mountain view suites and garden view suites. This is an upmarket Eco experience.

We are very honored to be able to serve you. We love our work at Antbear Lodge and are proud of what we have achieved together. Some of us have been here from the very first day. We support each other and because we know that together we are stronger. Whats more we would love to meet you and host you at Antbear Lodge soon.

We cook all our meals from scratch and use our own organic vegetable garden. We have our own chickens for eggs, own cows for milk, we bake our own bread and even make our own cheese.

The best way to say this is in the middle of nowhere. We are perfectly located to explore the very best of the Drakensberg offers and are situated towards Giants Castle. Easy access to Kamberg, Champagne Valley and the Kwazulu Natal Midlands

The lodge is artistic in style and offers 2 lounges, a wine cellar, a small bar and a dining room. We offer the option of hosted dinning at a communal table or if you would prefer you can also sit at an own table. We also offer the option of private dining where we setup a table on the deck of your cave and you dine by candlelight under the stars.

This Drakensberg accommodation lodge practices small scale farming permaculture. We have a small flock of sheep, 3 milk cows, horses, donkeys, a pig, and a few chickens, turkeys, ducks and geese. For us it is important that the animals are well kept and live a good life.

There is a lot to do or you could just chill out. The main attraction is the Drakensberg Mountains so a visit to Giants Castle and some hiking is a great idea. Or you could visit one of the best rock art sites in South Africa at Kamberg. We offer horse trails ideally suited to beginners. There is the option to fly in a hot air balloon, glide with vultures in a microlight or a game drive in the Zulu Waters Private Game Reserve.